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OWow

OW Diphthong

OW sometimes makes the “ow” sound, like in 'cow' and 'how'.

How this rule works

OW can make the “ow” diphthong sound (like 'cow') or the long O sound “oh” (like 'snow'). The “ow” sound is more common before N, L, and D.

Remember: OW — ow! The cow says ow!

Examples

cowhownowdowntown

Words that use this rule

48 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.

allowallowedbowbowedbrowbrownchowclownclownfacecowcrowdcrowdedcrowncrownsdowndownstairsdrownflowerflowersfrownfrownedgowngrowlhometownhowhowdyhoweverhowlnowowlplowplowingpowderpowerpowerfulpowersprowlscowlshowersplashdownsunflowersunflowerstoweltowervowvowelvowelswow

Exceptions

OW also says long O — see the 'OW Long O' rule.

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